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Is it a pool or a money pit?

Imagine balmy nights spent sipping cocktails by the pool, weekend swimming parties and quick dips to cool down in the scorching Australian summer.

The reality is more likely to be weekend chemical treatments, higher utility bills and non-stop skimming of leaves and other creepy-crawlies which land in the pool.

While there are plenty of people out there who want a pool, there are just as many who don’t. So, does a house with a pool add value or is it more likely to be a money pit which may affect the price of the house when you go to sell? Are you better off getting the kids a slip and slide, or spend the money on constructing and maintaining it?

“We find that people who love pools, love them and people who don’t – don’t,” he said.

“When you are going to sell, it can limit the segment of the market you are trying to appeal to.”

And in neighbourhoods where a pool is de rigeur?

“Quite a few of my clients who have houses without pools, have gotten a DA (Development Application) for the pool so a potential buyer can build one without having to go through the hassle of dealing with Council.”

Five things to consider when buying a house with a pool

How old is the pool? If it’s more than 10 years old, you may be up for repairs in the years ahead.

How much time are you willing to spend on a pool? It can take many hours each week testing the water, skimming leaves and cleaning the pool. A pool service can be costly.

Can you afford it? If you plan to stay where you are for a few years, or you have an older pool you will probably have to spend thousands resurfacing and buying new parts.

How much will you use it? If you only take the occasional dip, a community pool or the beach might be a better option.

How many other pools are in your neighbourhood? If you’re the only one in your street, there might not be a demand for them.

About Michelle McKinnon

Michelle is the PR & Content Manager at Aussie and a self confessed foodie. She’s eaten her way through more than 40 countries and is hungry for more trips abroad! Proud to be a Sydney-sider but boasting a dual passport Michelle is keen to indulge her wanderlust and return to Spain and Italy for more flavour filled adventures.

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